Classic games do not always match up to modern sensibilities. The fall of real-time strategy games is one that particularly hits home, but there is always the hope that a refreshed approach can bring reinvigorated impetus to an otherwise overlooked genre, which is exactly what Haemimont Games and THQ Nordic are hoping to do with Jagged Alliance 3.
As a tactical affair, there can be many systems to master and things to go wrong, and having a team like Haemimont Games working on it is a definite plus. Throughout the many hours we spent in Grand Chien, Jagged Alliance 3 presented its case for a thoroughly involved strategic affair that required military precision, adequate planning, and keen foresight in order to succeed.
From hiring your first team of A.I.M mercenaries, taking part in battles, to some well-deserved rest and recuperation, there are many details to take note of. Parts are needed to repair gear, medicine to heal wounds, and the more time you spend on resting is going to eat into the time that can be better spent on completing requests and earning cold hard cash. Considering that your mercs are bound only by their contract durations, there is an inherent need to get things done in Jagged Alliance 3.
This could mean moving from square to square on the strategic map, checking out curiosities on the ground, and usually, getting into a scrape or two to eliminate resistance, and find new resources. It is clear that Grand Chien is a place of conflict, and the role players will play is both peacekeeper and opportunistic force.
Taking on missions and requests to earn cash, capturing blood diamond mines to fund the operations, and making vital decisions that will influence what happens to this territory are part and parcel of life as mercenaries. It is not going to be easy though, as Jagged Alliance 3 is all about taking chances.
The turn-based nature of the battle is complemented by a healthy serving of chance, and things never truly turn out according to plan. A clear shot at an enemy might be scuppered as the swirling sands jam your weapon, and the element of surprise might be lost as helpful rain may give way to calmer situations. Things will get messy and dangerous, and that is the authentic way a Jagged Alliance 3 encounter should play out.
On some level, there is some masochistic enjoyment derived from triumphing against all the odds, but it is clear that this is not a game for everyone. Players who are not accustomed to min-maxing and weighing up every single option may not be able to fully enjoy the experience, and the sheer number of things and options to keep track of will be overwhelming.
But for those hoping for yet another high in the series following Jagged Alliance 2 back in 1999, Jagged Alliance 3 is clearly shaping up to be a worthy successor, at least at this stage. There is something lovely about a modern game embracing the tenets of the past, and bringing it up to speed, and hopefully, the next foray into Grand Chien will represent a fresh start for a beloved classic.
Jagged Alliance 3 will be launching on Steam, with no release date set just yet.
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
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